A Stool Sample...

The majority of the blog's focus has (quite rightly) concentrated on the signal box rebuild by Bob and his team. However, there is a lot more to the project, and one section of that is how the signal box actually controls the points...

Stools ready for installation

For the crossover between the Tebay line and the headshunt / shed, this is achieved mechanically, using point rodding. The point rodding we are using takes the form of a channel, which is supported on rollers, which sit on top of concrete stools which in turn are set into the ground.


Digging the holes in which to plant the stools proved to be tough going

Planting the stools: maybe they'll grow into a full rodding run if watered and tended to carefully!

The point rodding comes in 18' lengths, and we are setting the stools at 9' intervals to best support it and make sure the joints (which are fishplated) do not foul the rollers.


Molehills!

Watered for growth! The remains of the a-frames and rollers will be removed later

There will be 3 rods involved for this: 3 levers' worth. It was felt that splitting the two turnouts on to individual levers would mean they were easier to operate (lighter to pull), and the third lever is the facing point lock on the Tebay line. These will be explained in greater detail in future entries... (As an aside, we will be renewing the rodding run for the ground frame by the bridge at the same time, combining the two...).

The rodding runs between the Tebay and Eden Valley lines, where it will be the least hazardous: this isn't a walking route!



The rodding run!

We have recently collected more rodding stools to complete the 'run' from the box. Holes are being dug to accommodate the stools, which must be buried well enough that they don't move. You wouldn't want loose stools, would you?!

A-frames and rollers mounted on top of the concrete stool, just awaiting rodding and the top rollers

Rodding in place, just requiring top rollers





Location: Stainmore Railway Company, South Rd, Kirkby Stephen CA17 4LA, UK

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